I have a 1990 Accord EX. The Cal DMV flagged this vehicle as having the profile of a poluter, so I got handed a "Test Only" smog requirement this year. Sure enough, this vehicle failed the emissions portion. The shop I go to tells me that '87-'91 Hondas often have a problem with the Nitrous Oxide levels. Something to do with EGR? My questions is, if this is so common, do any of you have any info that will help me? Am I in for a big expense? Is there a simple fix?

The car is well cared for, even though it has a lot of miles (259K). Compression is good. Tuneup was less than 30K miles ago. Mileage is very consistent. Maybe could use a valve adjustment. Doesn't smoke, and uses less than 1qt oil between oil changes (3K mi).

Thanks!

 

It's oxides of nitrogen (NOx). First check if the EGR works, if it does work.. then yeah you're due for a cat.

 

see my sig

your NOx problem is not the EGR valve, it's the "EGR passageways". They are clogged with carbon deposits

Unfortunately, on your 90 Accord, a mechanic will have to fabricate access to clean these up by drilling holes. There use to be a whole write-up with pictures on how to fix this but sadly this is no longer online. Private message me.

 

Thanks for your comments.

I wish I could get hold of that article you mentioned.

quote
"A very good DIY how-to article on cleaning the EGR ports for 90-97 Accords. Use the bolt-spec/drill-bit size recommendations EXACTLY or you be in a world of ****.

http://www.tech2tech.net/T2T_TSB/T2T013.pdf" this link no longer works

If you can find it somewhere, and email it to me, that would be great.

PS was not able to use the email address in your profile

 

Hey - why not just buy a new fuel rail? Anyone know a good online source for OEM parts?

 

dealer

but in all seriousness, go to a honda mechanic, can prolly get the part cheaper, and they usually get them from honda anyways.

i just got my 92 accord smogged last week, and did fine. granted, i only have 86k miles on it, so yea.

cali emissions suck.

good luck to ya.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by John Gordon &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Hey - why not just buy a new fuel rail? Anyone know a good online source for OEM parts?</TD></TR></TABLE>
There's nothing wrong with your fuel rail, the EGR ports are in the intake manifold.

 

Yeah, that makes sense. Went back and looked at RotaryBzzz past posting, where he says:

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
It's clogged EGR passageways underneath the fuel rail. Not the convertor unless your throwing high H2 and CO levels. You should notice your oil is super black at oil change and propably burning off at least a quart. On 94+, there is a service port underneath the fuelrail. However pre93 need to fabricate their own port...it involves drilling out the timples (?) and creating your own access. There is the space for it....in those years they didn't bother to create an actual hatch that can removed without some fabrication. This is what you need to do....
1) depressurize fuel system & remove fuel rail
2) create service port to EGR passageways by drilling out timples (underneath fuel rail) (pre94).
3) clean passsageways with solvent/brushes
4) reassemble, tune up and you should now pass with much MUCH low NOx emmisions showing.

[Modified by RotaryBzzz, 10:15 AM 10/23/2002]</TD></TR></TABLE>

I was hoping to avoid the whole drilling thing by just buying a part. Intake manifold? Thanks.

 

RB - got your message, but as as trial user I don't have access to Instant Messaging. Agree to terms, if material is worthwhile. Thanks, John

 

FYI - Turns out the problem was traced to a bad O2 sensor, which managed to do a lot of damage to the catalytic converter because I didn't catch it sooner. My son drives the car now, and checking his records the fuel mileage has been poor for a while. Anyway, got the cat changed and new sensor. Will retest next week. Expensive!